Councillor Jason Hadlow told Yarm Town Council it was “unlikely” the pitch would be created. He said the project’s two sponsors had been deterred by negative publicity surrounding the project on Snaith’s Field.

Cllr Hadlow, who chairs the town council, described the situation as “sad”.

“A few people have stopped it for the rest of the people,” he said.

One of the objectors has been local resident Carole Jones. She spoke at the meeting and branded the pitch a “ridiculous idea”.

“Why dig up a little gem of an area in Yarm?” she asked. “Why dig up the only bit of green space we have?”

As reported, a row previously erupted between Tory MP for Stockton South James Wharton and Mrs Jones over the issue. She said there was no demand for a boules pitch.